Carbosilane dendrons as stabilizing agents for the formation of gold nanoparticles

The synthesis and characterization of two new carbosilane dendrons functionalized in the focal point with a single thiol group is described. These molecules were used as stabilizing agents for the formation of gold nanoparticles. These materials were obtained by the reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate phase-transferred into toluene in the presence of the carbosilane dendrons. The gold nanoparticle-cored dendrons (NCDs) were characterized by TEM, XPS, AFM, IR, UV, and NMR techniques. Average particle diameter ranged from 2.5 to 2.6 nm with narrow size distribution and remarkable stability; in particular, the elimination of the protecting shells to give naked gold, after NCDs deposition on a support, is more difficult using carbosilane dendrons than in the case of conventional dodecanethiol-protected gold nanoparticles.

Graphical abstractTwo carbosilane dendrons functionalized with a thiol group at the focal point have been synthesized and shown to be excellent protecting ligands for the formation of gold nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highligths►Two carbosilane dendrons functionalized with a thiol group in the focal point are described.►These dendrons have been shown to stabilize gold nanoparticles (NCDs).►The dendrons are more difficult to remove from the NCDs deposited on a support than dodecanethiol.